At just the age of 20, Walt Haaser was in charge of a B-17 bomber crew of ten men. In April, 1945, he and his crew would make a desperate escape in their stricken bomber.
Special thanks to Fred Haaser
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
Find The History Guy at:
Facebook:
Patreon:
Please send suggestions for future episodes: Suggestions@TheHistoryGuy.net
The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
Subscribe for more forgotten history:
Awesome The History Guy merchandise is available at:
Script by THG
#history #thehistoryguy #WWII…(read more)
LEARN MORE ABOUT: Bank Failures
REVEALED: Best Investment During Inflation
HOW TO INVEST IN GOLD: Gold IRA Investing
HOW TO INVEST IN SILVER: Silver IRA Investing
Walt Haaser’s B-17 Bailout: A Story of Survival and Courage
During World War II, the skies over Europe were filled with the rumble of engines and the whine of propellers as Allied and Axis forces fought in the air. It was a time of great bravery and sacrifice, and one man who exemplified these qualities was Walt Haaser, a B-17 bomber crewman who faced a harrowing ordeal in the skies over enemy territory.
Haaser was serving as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress, one of the iconic heavy bombers that formed the backbone of the Allied air campaign. On a mission over Germany, his aircraft came under heavy attack from enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire. The B-17 was hit and began to lose altitude, eventually becoming engulfed in flames.
As the situation aboard the aircraft became increasingly dire, Haaser and his fellow crew members knew they had to make a decision quickly. With the plane plummeting towards the ground, it became clear that they would not be able to land the stricken aircraft safely. The order to bail out was given, and Haaser, along with the rest of the crew, prepared to parachute to safety.
Bailing out of a disabled aircraft in the midst of combat is a terrifying experience, and Haaser’s ordeal was no exception. As he floated down to the ground, he found himself landing in the middle of enemy territory. Haaser was quickly captured by German forces and taken as a prisoner of war.
The months that followed were difficult and dangerous for Haaser, as he endured the harsh conditions of a prisoner of war camp. However, he never lost hope or the will to survive. Haaser’s resilience and bravery were a source of inspiration to his fellow prisoners, and his determination to endure and overcome his captivity never wavered.
After several months in captivity, Haaser’s camp was liberated by Allied forces, and he was finally able to return home. His survival and the courage he had displayed during his time as a prisoner of war made him a hero to his fellow service members and a symbol of the resilience and spirit that characterized the Allied forces during the war.
Walt Haaser’s B-17 bailout is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served in the armed forces during World War II. His story serves as a reminder of the incredible hardships and dangers that were faced by those who fought in the air, and the strength of character that sustained them in the face of adversity. Haaser’s courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds are a true example of the indomitable spirit that was the hallmark of the Greatest Generation.
And that is the rest of the story!
I find it difficult to believe that flight crews were badly treated by the Swiss as a matter of policy. I worked with many Swiss of that generation and never heard pro-Nazi sentiments, and have heard other stories about how well internees were treated. The Swiss went through a very rough time. For example, complaints that they only had straw for bedding (makes a wonderful mattress actually) may be compared with the fact that the Swiss army didn't even have straw until 1943.
Dear Fred Haaser….Thank you for sharing your fathers story. Such a wonderful inspiration.
These episodes are the best! Thank you for sharing it with the History Guy, Haaser family. We will remember Walt Haaser and his brave crew.
…I xpu l d tell you z personal story I f jumping for the first time…and straps effects on the body….51 years ago this coming 27 Feb 2023
The most pompous delivery of all time. So forced, so unnatural I have to kill the sound and use closed captions. Stop trying to be a poor man's Charles Osgood. You're not and never will be.
jstrawser
0 seconds ago
Dear THG Please do a story about the Board Tracks of the 1920s where Motor Cycles and Racing Cars were run . These events were attended by thousands of people and rail roads were run directly to the tracks for people to travel to the different venues. There were about a dozen tracks running across the country from NJ. to CA.
salutes
Now that, was history worth remembering.
The fact he was able to return and break bread with a family who helped saved his life was the highlight on an already amazing story. History is always filled with that silver lining, sometimes it's in the story of the individual and not just the mass.